About Parotid Abscess Drainage
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate relief from severe pain and swelling caused by the abscess.Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and the bloodstream (sepsis).Helps preserve the function of the parotid salivary gland.Typically a minimally invasive procedure when performed with imaging guidance.Reduces the risk of complications like deep neck space infections or facial nerve damage.Often leads to a quicker resolution of symptoms compared to antibiotics alone./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed parotid abscess with a collection of pus visible on imaging (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan).
- Failure of conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics to resolve the infection.
- Severe symptoms including significant facial swelling, pain, fever, and chills.
- Presence of trismus (difficulty opening the mouth) due to the abscess.
- Suspected or impending complications such as airway compromise or spread of infection.
- Recurrent parotitis leading to abscess formation.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation and review of patient history, including allergies.
- Diagnostic imaging, typically an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the abscess location and size.
- Pre-operative blood tests to assess infection markers and overall health.
- Initiation of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics to control the infection.
- Discussion of the procedure, risks, benefits, and anesthesia (usually local or general) with the ENT surgeon.
- Fasting for several hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Damage to the facial nerve, which can lead to temporary or permanent facial weakness or paralysis.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation at the incision site.
- Infection recurrence or formation of a fistula (abnormal tract).
- Scarring at the incision site.
- Injury to surrounding structures like blood vessels or other salivary ducts.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Persistent pain or numbness in the cheek or ear area.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is usually required for 1-2 days for monitoring and continued IV antibiotics.
- A small drain may be placed temporarily to allow complete pus drainage.
- Oral antibiotics will be prescribed for a course after discharge.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; swelling gradually subsides over days.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry as per surgeon's instructions.
- A soft diet is recommended initially to minimize jaw movement and discomfort.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, remove any drain, and assess for nerve function.
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first 1-2 weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering parotid abscess drainage in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for parotid abscess drainage in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform parotid abscess drainage. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for parotid abscess drainage compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Parotid Abscess Drainage in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing parotid abscess drainage.
Priya Malhotra, a 28-year-old graphic designer...
Priya Malhotra, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Mumbai, had always been prone to salivary gland issues. After a severe bout of tonsillitis, she developed a painful, golf-ball-sized swelling below her left ear. Over five agonizing days, the pain became excruciating, radiating to her jaw and neck, and she spiked a fever. Eating was torture. Her ENT, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a parotid abscess. He explained that the infection was walled off and antibiotics alone wouldn't reach it; incision and drainage under anesthesia was urgent to prevent the infection from spreading deeper. Terrified of surgery and a potential scar on her face, Priya felt vulnerable and anxious. The procedure itself was a blur. Waking up, the intense pressure was immediately gone, replaced by a dull ache and a small drain tube. Recovery involved a week of antibiotics, warm compresses, and soft foods. The swelling subsided dramatically within days, and the drain was removed. The small scar faded well. Emotionally, Priya moved from fear and pain to profound relief and gratitude. The experience made her more proactive about her health, and she was deeply thankful for the swift resolution that allowed her to return to her creative work pain-free.
ENT Specialists for Parotid Abscess Drainage
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform parotid abscess drainage and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore